Vaccinations Specialist
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Heights Family Medicine
Family Medicine located in Dearborn Heights, MI
You’re not alone if you dislike vaccinations due to the needle involved when getting the shot. But vaccinations protect you from illnesses that may cause symptoms a lot worse than the brief pinching of an injection. Dedicated to prevention and wellness, Sally Khalifa, DO, at Heights Family Medicine in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, offers vaccinations to protect you from infectious diseases. To schedule an appointment to update your vaccinations, call the office or request an appointment online.
Vaccinations Q & A
What are vaccinations?
Vaccinations are medical injections aimed at protecting you from common contagious illnesses. The injection contains either dead or weakened germs.
When a vaccine is injected into your body, it stimulates your immune system to develop antibodies against the germ. After the injection, if you come in contact with the germ, your immune system is prepared and can fight off the infection so you don’t get sick.
What types of vaccinations do I need?
Dr. Khalifa determines the types of vaccinations you need when you come in for an evaluation. Some of the most common vaccinations provided include:
- Flu
- Pneumonia
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
You may need additional vaccines depending on your age, your job, or if you have plans to travel abroad.
Are vaccinations safe?
Many people have concerns about the safety of vaccines. However, because vaccines are given to millions of people every year, including children, they need to undergo extensive testing before they’re released to the general public and are considered a safe and effective treatment against illness.
While vaccines are safe, you may experience some side effects after receiving your injection, such as:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Headache
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
While these side effects may be unpleasant, they indicate that your body is building up its immunity against the disease.
What is the tuberculosis (TB) test?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that affects the lungs and is spread when someone with the infection coughs, speaks, or sings.
You can have TB without developing symptoms, which is referred to as latent TB. The TB test is a tool to determine if you’ve been infected with the disease.
Dr. Khalifa offers TB testing at Heights Family Medicine. During the test, a small amount of a liquid called tuberculin is injected just under the skin of your forearm. She asks you to return to the office within 2-3 days of the injection to evaluate your arm for a reaction.
If your TB test is positive, additional testing may be needed to determine if your TB is latent or active and then the appropriate treatment is provided.
To update your vaccines or get your TB test, call Heights Family Medicine today, or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.
